ARSHI FF: Meant to be...

CHAPTER 18: Khanabadoshi rah lapata re…

“Saahilon pe aa ke doobi

Khwaishon ki kashtiyan

Ishq mujhko ho gaya tha

Thi yahi gusthakiyan

Tha humnava hi bewafa, kya bataye

Ae dil baata, dil ki kise ab sunaye...”

                           - ‘Saahilon pe’ by Sumedha Karmahe from ‘Rain’ 

RAIZADA MANSION, DELHI – 02:00 P.M.

Arnav walked out of his room as he headed downstairs leisurely which was more due to the fact that after every encounter with Lavanya his mind and emotions were a mess at the moment because she always brought out the darkest of his memories… she represented his downfall. Coming back to India has been something that he didn’t want to do yet was needed, the difference between need and want is that sometimes they aren’t the same things. It is true that he has moved on his life happily with no regrets but there are still some unanswered questions like why his friends abandoned him six years ago like they did, why Lavanya only blamed him for the failure of their relationship and after all that crap she put him through years ago expects him to take her back… What is wrong with the her…? His mind drifted to the memory lane to six years ago, few days after the success party when he had another ugly conversation with Lavanya in his cabin and the pain is still fresh in his mind. 

---FLASHBACK---

SIX YEARS AGO 

G.K. CONSTRUCTIONS, DELHI – 11:30 A.M.

Dressed simple chiffon sunflower-yellow full-sleeve anarkali-salwar Lavanya is sitting in the conference room in the middle briefing meeting of an upcoming housing project. But instead of concentrating on what being said, her mind along with eyes were on ASR who sat on the other side of the table two seats ahead. She admired the how dashing he looked in black three-piece suit paired with sage-green button shirt and charcoal-grey tie, his strong jaws covered in light stubble, hair gelled perfectly and handsome face in serious concentration. Her mind flashed back to three days ago to the success party where he dedicated that song to the ‘Girl he missed in his life’ which she knew was her and this gave her mixed feelings. On one hand she felt happy that he missed her, that he couldn’t let her go but on the other hand, she wanted him to get over her because she knew her father wants her marriage with Samar to work out. So, in order to do that she needs ASR to get over her and with this in mind she intended to talk to him about his behaviour… to make him understand and get over her for good, thought determinedly.

She organized her thoughts about what she’ll be talking to him and not bothering with the briefing since there was no way she could care less about what the project details at the moment. It was another twenty minutes for the meeting to get over after which everyone gathered their things and started exiting with mild tones of chit-chatting could be heard. She followed quietly ASR to his cabin for more private setting to have his conversation and especially without eavesdropping because last thing she needed was to become topic of office gossip more than already. She knocked at the door of his cabin primly and moments later got a reply of ‘come in’ made her push the door open and enter, carefully closing along with locking the door behind her.

Arnav looked up from the file that he was reading sitting on his leather chair behind the desk, asked: “To what do I own this pleasure, Mrs. Khurana…?” his tone and expression neutral though he his stance seemed as though he preparing himself to have a fight.

Lavanya sat on a chair opposite side and arranged herself carefully before replying: “We need to talk ASR.” feeling bit nervous and overwhelmed.

He closed the file in his hand and placed it on the table to give her full attention, asked: “About what…?” already knowing this would end badly since these days their conversations tend to.

She fidgeted a bit, looking at him wide-eyed replied: “About what you did in last success party three days ago.” to which he gave her a confused questioning look and she elaborated, “I am talking about the song that you, not so subtlety dedicated to me at the party. It needs to stop ASR, it needs to… I mean I know it is hard for you but you have to get over me and it is hard for me too. But that doesn’t mean that you can keep doing things like this because it is not making anything easier on anyone.” as she went on trying to make him understand earnestly. 

He simply blinked at her first, listening to her in sort of disbelieve and moments later shaking himself out of it, answered simply: “Lavanya don’t flatter yourself so much, that song in the party wasn’t for you… I dedicated that to someone else which is definitely not you. So, now that is clear you can be assured that there is no need to get so worked up for you about.” rolling his eyes at her. 

She didn’t like his dismissive attitude towards her which obviously made her anger spark and said more heatedly: “Could have fool me ASR and don’t think I don’t know your underhanded methods because I do which is why I know your song dedication to me in the party in front of everyone is just another trick of yours. So, I want you to stop doing this ASR… stop being a hinderance in my life and my marriage, please move on and let me too.” being all self-righteous.

Her self-righteous attitude definitely made him angry now and he answered her coldly: “Like I said I stop flattering yourself that song wasn’t meant for you and that’s that, no matter how hard it is for you to believe. And about interfering in your life and marriage, well l left you alone didn’t I but that hasn’t stopped you from constantly barging in my life to bring up the past which YOU need to stop doing.” glaring at her icily.

Not one to back off, Lavanya asked sarcastically: “Oh really than who is this ‘Girl that you missed’ that you were referring to…? I know you ASR, I know you and I know that there is no one except me.” giving him a challenging look.

Arnav replies easily: “Oh for heaven’s sake I was talking about my first teenage crush on which I never got a chance to act upon, hence the title of the ‘Girl I missed’ which is definitely not you. Honestly Lavanya get over yourself, not everything in my life is about you and revolves around you as much as you like to think that.” not being sensitive or understanding especially the absolute crap she keeps putting him through.  

Her face flustered with her anger which was clearly reflected upon in her next words: “Than all I can say is that girl got lucky and got saved from the inevitable heartache that you would have inflicted on her ASR. You can’t love or make a girl happy because you are always so self-centered and selfish that you don’t bother about anyone else accept yourself. You can only make a mess out of your relationship like you made out of ours… all the fights, arguments and heartbreaks you caused me, only I know. Even now you are here causing me more pain, not moving on yourself and neither are you letting me… you are so selfish ASR!” though her face in expression as if he was the one who caused her pain instead of it being the other way around. There was a sublet glint in her eyes which showed the sadistic sort of pleasure and satisfaction by hurting him as payback for her bruised ego then got up to leave as abruptly, she came.  

Arnav simply stared at the door from which she stormed out after mercilessly inflicting another set of wounds from her sharp words as he took in a shuddering deep breath and exhaling shakily while trying to rein his pain. He really didn’t understand why she kept tearing him apart every time, why he still had feelings for despite her callous cruel attitude towards him… in fact what the heck had he ever seen in Lavanya Gupta to have fallen for her in the first place at all…? When and how had he gotten himself in such an unhealthy relationship…? Despite her unsensitive cruelness he wanted her back which just made this whole situation all the more sickening and like it some cosmic joke that fate is playing on him. He must have some sort of masochistic tendency that he wasn’t aware of before because that is the only reasonable explanation for him to still be clinging onto Lavanya after everything or maybe it is his PTSD searching for something familiar to hold on as his doctor told him. He leaned back in his chair, resting his head and closing his eyes while her cruel words resonated in his eyes while their whole relationship flashed in his mind’s eyes as he tried to figure what had he ever done to deserve this cruel callousness from her. Where did he go wrong and just how could he move on because despite everything a part of him wanted Lavanya back, was clinging on her and on the other hand he wanted to move on but he didn’t have any hope of someone pulling him out of this dark abyss.

---FLASHBACK ENDS---

Arnav came out of the unpleasant memory lane that his mind had wandered off to again when he entered the living room and the laughter of his family reached his ears. He saw everyone sitting on the couches, chit-chatting and wearing in shoelace strap white short dress, open hair, minimal make-up and smile on her face is Tuli who probably was invited sometime for lunch with them. He casually walked up to them and smilingly greeted: “Hey Tuli, I didn’t know that you were joining us for lunch today. By they you look good, how is everything going on for you…?” giving her a brief hug from he pulled back and to sit beside his wife.

Tuli too resumed her seat before replying: “Hi ASR, Di called yesterday and we made lunch plans than and to you answer your question, I am fine and everything is… good. How are you doing…?” asked with a smile.

He easily replied: “All good especially I had such a good morning with extra alone time with my Mahiya and then later spent the playing with Hiya in garden. By the way, I heard that you are dating Samar again… you are sure about it…? I mean Samar is a great guy and all that but I don’t want you to get hurt again like last time.” brows in little frown.

Tuli answered: “Yeah I decided to give Samar another chance, I think it is time we both move on from the past and we both have feelings for each other which we want to give another chance. I am being cautions and we are taking things slow, I might still have feelings for him but that doesn’t mean that I forgot the pain he inflicted on me when he gave up on us so easily… just accepted to let me walk out of his life without a fight. So yeah, let’s see where all this leads to though I am not making things easier for him like it had been the last time.” giving an assuring smile.

Anjali didn’t seem too trouble hearing that Tuli and Samar have rekindled their relationship and Lavanya who just entered the room too had heard this wasn’t bothered either with this new piece of information. But this topic certainly brought up some quite awkward memories of six years ago for everyone and Amaya said: “Well whatever makes you happy Tuli and I know you are grown up, could look after yourself but if you need anything, just tell me okay am still your big sister.” giving sister a smile and patted her arm lightly.   

Neev nodded in agreement with his wife: “Amaya is right, we are your family Tuli which means just come to us if you need help or advice or just to talk about something, we all are there for you. Though I am not hundred percent sure about your decision of getting back with Samar but you are grown up, you know what is right for you and so we’ll support all your decisions… I hope he treats you as good as Karan did.” says with a sympathetic look.

Hearing that name made Tuli’s heart ache and she replied: “If Karan was here today than I wouldn’t have rekindled with Samar in the first place, he made me fall in love again… made me believe that I can be happy again. Everything was so perfect between me and Karan but it only took a drunken driver to take him away from me.” tears streamed down which she quickly wiped off recalled the man who had mended her heart after Samar had broken her the first time but it only took someone’s careless action that she lost him. She continues to say, “But I know Karan would want me to happy with someone… to not be alone and I think I am ready to move on, to give someone a chance. Life is too short to have regrets and I don’t want to have any. So, I want give it one last try, to see if things would work out between Samar and me, see where our feelings take us to and hopefully this time, he wouldn’t disappoint me like before.” with a hopeful smile on her lips and shining in her eyes. 

Khushi said encouragingly: “I am sure everything will work out, even if the end result not something you want to be because you deserve to be happy and you will find your happiness Tuli, be it with or without Samar. Now enough of this, it is lunch time and I am sure everyone is hungry, the rest of the chit-chatting can easily be held over lunch while eating.” effectively changing the subject to lighter topics as everyone got up to make way towards the dining room for lunch.

…

AN HOUR LATER

Post-lunch Amaya had taken up the responsibility to put the three kids down for an afternoon nap, Arpita herself said that she’ll too take one and went up to her room while Sana said she was going to study room having some office work. Tuli too said something about having a movie date plan with Samar and so she bid a quick goodbye to all, congratulated Anjali once more before she left hurried with an excited smile on her face. Arnav had taken then the other men with himself to another study with the excuse of discussing about some deal while he actually had plans of talking to them about Lavanya’s behaviour. That left Khushi along with Ishaani who were showing Anjali and Lavanya around the house as the made casual small talks which were mostly upcoming wedding and baby centric since those were the safest topics. Ishaani had her eyes on the Gupta sisters and she was well aware of the sisters’ duo was up to something, they weren’t as smart as they liked to think themselves and definitely amateurs to even pull something over them. Khushi was chirpily talking about the décor that she had gotten renovated of this house just before they came here and generally being her unassuming bubbly self that Anjali considered to be easily fooled to pry on.   

They were walking through the third-floor hallway having just exited the library on this floor when Anjali casually said: “Khushi, you had been in India six years ago and working in our office you which means you definitely knew about ASR’s relationship with Lav. So, didn’t you feel insecure or been worried about coming to India again after all these years…?” seeming all mildly curiosity only.

Khushi tilted her head sideways a little, asking: “Why should I be insecure or worried about…?” blinking at them owlishly and innocently.

Anjali shrugged her shoulder: “I don’t know maybe jealous… I mean Lav and ASR were so in-love and had even gotten engaged. So, didn’t you feel insecure that maybe ASR’s feelings for her would rekindle…?” asked quizzingly. 

Khushi simply giggled at the question and even Ishaani couldn’t help from snorting in amusement and replied: “Oh I am sure Katya would never need to be insecure of Lavanya or anyone else for that matter, Arnie is crazy about her to put it in simple words. I mean if you had known their love story or seen some of the absolute mad things that he did for her, you wouldn’t have been asking this question now.” grinning widely.

The Gupta sisters didn’t like the answer or their amusement but gave a fake smile and Lavanya said: “Well ASR did all sort of things for me too and I guess Di remembers them too well which was why she asked this… didn’t you once had this thought ever about what if I take ASR away from you…? What if he wants me back in his life, will you be able to let him go…?” face a picture of innocence as if she was asking her hypothetical questions on which she would never things of acting upon. 

Ishaani thinks, oh you girl you don’t have the faintest idea just what you unleashed with those little questions of yours as she snickers to herself in delight and watches with unabashed glee knowing her best friend all too well. Khushi stopped in her tracks and turned to face Lavanya with an unreadable look on her face as she stared at her with a hard-icy look in those usually playful forest-green orbs, tilting her head side-ways a little in a curious child-like manner. Then after a few moments Khushi turned casually and made way down the hall towards a room with Gupta sisters following with slight confusion and weird trepidation while Ishaani just kept smiling like she is having a ball.

The room they entered is a long big room with white walls also two targets hanging on end of the room wall and wood flooring gleaming in the afternoon light of sunlight that fell through the almost-ceiling reaching windows along with few areas having padded mats placed strategically. There were two walls full with different sorts of weapons like fencing swords, knifes, nunchakus, bows-arrows and other things. There were two punching bags hanging from the ceiling in one corner while a martial-arts wooden dummy is kept in other corner as the Gupta sisters stared at the room in nervous fascination. Anjali asked: “Ah what is this room…? And why are these things here…?” pointing towards the walls full of weapons that are on display.

Ishaani was the one to answer: “This is the practice room which is mostly used by Veer, Arnie, Neev Bhai, Abir Bhai and of course Katya too though at times Amaya Bhabhi and Sana Bhabhi, mostly the punching bags. I don’t come here expect to watch since I got pregnant obviously but yeah this is mostly the hard-core workout area of the house and we keep all these sharp objects here so the kids don’t hurt themselves accidently.” sounding all casual as she watched her best friend make way towards the wall with fencing swords.

Anjali and Lavanya were also observing Khushi’s actions who casually picked one of the fencing swords from the shelve on the wall it was kept then turned around holding it. They watched in amazement as she slashed it the air expectedly with light right-hand maneuvers while other hand behind her back. Her movements and ease at handling the sword showed just how much of an expert she is which the Gupta sisters watched with wide eyes. She casually slashed the sword in the air in practiced movements as she walked towards them and Lavanya took a step back unconsciously, especially there was a never seen before gleam in Khushi’s eyes as she came forward towards them.

Khushi slashed her swords a few more times in the air few more times as she stood before the Gupta sisters with the tip of the sword on Lavanya’s throat quite dangerously, said: “The eyes that dares to look at my Arnav with wrong intentions I would scratch them out, I’ll break those legs that dares to take a step towards my Arnav, I will stop those breaths for forever that even dares to dream of residing in my Arnav’s soul. My love is my strength, don’t turn it into my madness... you won’t be able to handle it.” pressing the tip of the bit firmly to as a warning but careful as to not actually cause injury just yet. Then after a moment or two she brought the sword down with the pointed tip touching the floor took two steps back and leaned forward on it, keeping her posture deceptively casual though the forest-green eyes bored into Lavanya’s light-brown ones coldly. 

Lavanya gulped seeing that dangerous look in Khushi’s eyes that she had never seen previously and couldn’t help fidget wondering if they were truly underestimating her to be a foolish unassuming girl till now. But she wasn’t ready to back away so easily and straighten herself, seeming strong and says: “That’s all well and good but surely you won’t be able to stop ASR if he started to feel otherwise… or do you plan to harm him too…? Did you think what would he feel if you do something like kill the other woman…? Surely you wouldn’t take risks like that Khushi, you are not that crazy.” trying to sound as if she is merely joking. 

Khushi merely smirked wickedly in response and replied: “First off all, I am not scared to die for him but more than that I am not afraid to kill for my Arnav either. Trust me I know ways of killing someone and making it seem like an accident, no one will ever be able to trace it back to me. Secondly, I know my Arnav and his eyes, his heart, his soul and his everything is mine and mine only… he would never ever look at someone else, not even in his dreams. Lastly, say if someone is foolish enough to try and take him away from me, well let’s just say they better be prepared to be completely ruined… I won’t kill them because that would be easy way out. No what I will do is not only destroy them but burn their spirt into ashes that they wouldn’t even dream of rising up again. You have no idea just how much of crazy mad in-love I am with my Arnav… have absolutely no idea what I can do for him. You don’t want to test my limits either kyunki Khushi Arnav Singh Raizada ko haarne ki aadat nahi aur baar baar maaf karna humari fitrat nahi.” with her eyes boring into both the Gupta sisters in equally as if she is sizing them both for potential threat. (Because Khushi Arnav Singh Raizada is not used to losing and forgiving repeatedly is not in my nature.)

Anjali and Lavanya surely paled dramatically under Khushi’s frosty gaze while Ishaani simply stood gleefully watching the drama unfold and loving every moment of it, she will definitely be telling this to their family later on. They were interrupted with someone coming to the door making all eyes turn that way to see Arnav standing there and he said: “Hey what’s going on here…?” entering further in the room. His eyes went towards the pale faces of the Gupta sisters, grinning Ishaani and lastly resting on his dear wife who had straightened up along with the fencing sword in her hand didn’t go unnoticed by him. He wrapped an arm around his wife casually, “What are you all doing in practice room…? Was Mahiya again showing off just how good she is with swords…?” asking again bit playfully and teasing his wife.

Ishaani snickered under her breath leaning unassumingly towards him to whisper: “More like terrifying the witch sisters was what your Mahiya was doing Arnie.” then quickly straightened to say loudly, “Yeah well we were showing Anjali and Lavanya around the house and we came here, so Katya was showing them little moves with fencing sword is all.” with wide innocent smile while amusement shining her eyes.

He nodded as if he accepted on the face and said in agreement: “Mahiya is great in fencing, she was the first in years to have defeated me in a match. I still remember out first game, man did I learn that day about the mean competitive steak that innocent Khushi Ahlawat possessed.” and his hand immediately went to wrap around her shoulder, rubbing it lightly recalling that day clearly still this day even if it was six years ago. 

Khushi added shrugging her shoulder: “Well that is what you get for underestimating me and Khushi Ahlawat is anything but helpless little girl, never forget that.” smirking wickedly.   

He shook his head at her fondly: “I could never think of you as helpless after that day and neither would I ever forget the day I saw your bold avatar. Seriously, I found it charming back than and I had no idea of my feelings for you, am way over my head for you Babes… you are one heck of a little dynamo and you are completely mine.” snooping down to kiss her passionately without caring about the audience they had. 

Lavanya felt her eyes string with unshed tears watching ASR kissing Khushi like that while Anjali discreetly held her sister hand but otherwise glared at the couple angrily for being so inconsiderate towards her sister’s feelings. Ishaani smiled at her friends and her eyes narrowed at the reaction of the Gupta sisters but otherwise didn’t say anything except clearing her throat to break up the couple and teased them: “Okay guys cut it out, that’s enough… time to get going or else we’ll all be stuck here watching you two suck at each other’s face. Not that I mind the show you guys put up usually but these days feeling bloated all the time isn’t sexy at all, so I don’t really fancy seeing your both getting hot and heavy at the moment.” grinning teasingly at Khushi’s red face and Arnav smirking unashamed. 

He took the sword out of Khushi hand saying: “Let me keep it back in place and we all can go downstairs to the living room, I guess.” squeezing Khushi’s shoulder one last time, he went to keep the sword back on the wall shelf.

After that they all exited the practice room and making sure that it was properly locked then made their way downstairs to the living room. Neev, Abir, Veer and Sana were already there chatting idly as the others too joined their conversation with nothing too major. Unable to take the curiosity anymore Anjali said: “ASR you said that you lost a fencing match with Khushi… when did you played together the first time…? For that matter we never knew that you were into anything other than kick-boxing either.” looking at him with open curiosity.

Arnav didn’t mind the question and replied easily: “Hmm kick-boxing is my favourite but I do know a lot of other martial art and fencing along with shooting and bit of archery too. Anyways, the first match with Katya I had was six years ago and it was probably a month ago before I left India that time, still remember that evening clearly. Actually, I had another argument with Lavanya which had left me feeling quite agitated and I needed to work some of my frustration out, but as I was leaving office and saw her on the way out. I just told her that I was going to fencing club and left hurriedly, having no idea that she’ll come there too but there she was in front of me, looking all bold in black and a fencing sword in hand...” trailing off with a far away look in his eyes as he pulled his wife closer.  

---FLASHBACK---

SIX YEARS AGO

G.K. CONSTRUCTION, DELHI – 05:00 P.M.

Wearing a nude short dress with little white flower-lace design Khushi looked like a cute doll and cheerful as ever as she skipped to Arnav’s cabin in nude platform high-heels and her long French fishtail braid swinging with her every step. She is having a good day in work along with having Skyped her brothers and sisters-in-law last night having a long conversation with them had really lighten her mood. Intending to ask Arnav if they can go to the new Karaoke Japanese restaurant for dinner as she felt like dine out tonight and so made her way to his cabin with a mission to get him agree which shouldn’t be too hard for her since he gave in just seeing her pout, thought giggling to herself. She happily knocked on his cabin door, bouncing on her toes as she hadn’t seen him all day since coming to office and he had a lunch meeting because of which they didn’t have lunch together like usual. 

KHUSHI'S DRESS

Soon she heard ‘come in’ after which she pushed the door open and entered cheerfully asking: “Arnav I wanted to ask you if we could go out for dinner tonight to that new Karaoke Japanese restaurant in Karol Bagh…?” but her smile and excitement dimmed seeing him gathering his things while a dark look on his face which made her concerned, “Everything okay Arnav…?” brows ceased in a mild frown.

He looked up at her while continuing to stuff files in his laptop bag, replied: “I am fine Happiness, don’t worry though I don’t think I can go out with you tonight just not in mood. But I promise to take you there some other day if you want, Happiness.” waving her concern off easily as to not to make her worried, “By the way, can you go home by yourself today…?” asked now that he saw her and remembered that he usually drives her to office and home.

She stepped closer to him replying easily: “That’s fine I’ll call a Uber cab and we’ll go some other day but you tell me, what happened…? You look kind of angry and frustrated, maybe I can help you.” placing a hand on his arm.

Arnav paused in his action, putting down his bag and turned completely towards her before answering: “I am fine, it’s nothing for you to be concerned with or get worried about.” but she gave him a look that said she knew better and he signed in resignation, “I had a not so good conversation with Lavanya earlier this morning and since than I am feeling rather frustrated, angry… I don’t know but I feel too coped up which I can’t take it anymore. So, I am going to the fencing club and hopefully work some of the steam out of my system but you don’t worry I will be fine.” giving her an assuring smile.

She returned it with a soft smile of her own, saying: “Okay but if you want to talk to someone know that I am always here Arnav, you are not alone anymore… as long as I am there, you are never alone.” looking deeply in those steel-grey eyes of his earnestly.

He hugged warmly and whispered in her ears softly: “I know Happiness, I know and I am so grateful that I have you when everyone else seems to have abandoned me.” pulling back a little and kissed her forehead affectionately, “Bye I will see you later.” letting her go and picked his laptop bag.

Khushi softly replied: “Bye Arnav and be careful.” standing on her tippy-toe gave a quick peck on his check. 

Arnav gave her a one last smile before exiting his cabin in quick steps and left her standing there alone staring at his retreating back silently. Khushi stood there for a few moments more silently before coming out of her thoughts and straightened her dress, made her way out along with making sure to lock the cabin properly. She was lost in her thoughts wondering about what conversation could Lavanya have with Arnav to make him so tense, as she made her way towards her cabin that was on the other floor. She exited the elevator and was passing through the hallway did she Lavanya going in a conference room, probably for some meeting and felt an anger bubble up inside her. She was starting to really hate Lavanya for constantly causing Arnav pain while behaving as if she is some damsel in distress herself. Khushi clutched her fists tightly, her nails digging in her palm as she tried to control her temper by remaindering herself that Lavanya wasn’t worth it and she should better concentrate on helping Arnav rather than waste time on that woman who wouldn’t learn. Exhaling sharply in effort to rein herself, she started to make her way again towards her cabin while thinking about how she could ease his pain and mend his heart.  

.....

FENCING DUELLING CLUB, DELHI – 07:30 P.M.

Dressed in white fencing outfit comprising of white tight pants, white side-zip-up jacket and white trainers along with steel-fencing helmet in place as Arnav duelled with one of the club members in similar get-up as well. He slashed his sword hard making his opponent lose his balance from the force and fall on the floor, face down which resulted him loosing the round as Arnav stood holding his sword at his opponent’s neck for a moment before he backed off and removed his helmet. The other guy also got up from the floor, took his helmet off and shook hands for the good game after which he left. Arnav huffed out a deep breath, still feeling worked up due to his earlier anger due to the argument he had with Lavanya again and honestly, he had thought that fencing would have been a nice way to get some of it out of his system but none had been much of a challenge to him yet. He thought that of going back home and started to make his way towards the changing room slightly distracted as he was about to pass from the arch way of the fencing ring-area when out of nowhere a sword came flying. He leaned back a little startled with hands in air and raised a brow at the sword now impaled on the wall in front of him and exhaled a little too heavily, looked around for the culprit.

From his right side came a person in black fencing outfit, heeled boots and helmet on, so he couldn’t see the face of the person but said firmly: “Dude I could have seriously gotten hurt, though I liked the style of yours requesting to play a game but you are late, some other time maybe.” gesturing with his at the still impaled sword lightly, “I am leaving now, done for the day.” politely turn down the person who pulled the sword of the wall in front of him and nodded saying, “Thank you.” as he started to leave. He had taken only two steps when the person puts the sword on his right shoulder, stopping him and he signs lightly, “If you are so interested to lose than let’s do it some other time, I told you I am leaving now and I am sure I’ll see you again here sometime.” trying to leave but the person was persistent and firmly placed the tip of their sword to rest on his shoulder, stopping him which made him rolling his eyes, “Seems like you are in mood to lose today, fine one game.” sounding tad exasperated as he puts on his helmet and thinks about having to show this amateur who seems to be trying to up himself.  

They both stood in battle stance with their left arms behind their back and swords in right hand which were soon clashing to one another making metallic-clinging sounds. Arnav defends himself as his opponent attacks him as he backed away before he turned the positions and started to attack, now making them back up trying to defend themselves. His opponent took a major swipe at him at him and he bended down, getting out the way as the sword slashed over his head barely missing him. Then he again attacked at his opponent heavily with continuous strikes, making them back up but still matching his every strike equally and then he stuck hard, taking the person’s helmet off as they stumbled to catch their balance while their sword slipped from their hand. As the person straighten up, flipping their long hair to the back and he removed his helmet quite shocked: “Happiness…” starting at the person in front of him with his mouth open as it was none other than Khushi… his Happiness.

 

She raised a brow at him, said: “Surprised…?” which was rather rhetoric and he saw a smirk on her face that he had never seen before from her.  

Arnav was taken off-guard as he fumbled: “Ah… woh… ah so sorry… I am so sorry Happiness, I didn’t know it was you or for that matter of fact a woman, then I wouldn’t have gone so hard on you. I am really sorry…. I mean ah… Ah yeah nice game; I have to say you are quite good in fencing… we’ll definitely play again sometime so that you can win.” trying to apprise her, still feeling out of sorts over the fact of seeing his sweet innocent Happiness in such a bold avatar. 

Khushi smirked at him sardonically and with her right heels had she flipped her fallen sword back in her hand then without a warning attacked him so viciously that he barely managed to defended himself against the assault, quite taken back with. She says to with an attitude: “Well who said anything about the game being over yet… unless of course, if you are conceiting that is.” giving him a challenging look as their swords clashed with one another.

He scoffed looking down at her and replied: “Happiness… sweetheart, you might be my babygirl and I can do just about everything for you but Arnav Singh Raizada never loses or conceits… not even to you.” and attacked her making her back up in defense. Their swords clashes as she gives him back as good and hard as he did to her as swiped her sword at him, missing him by an inch as he jumps back asking, “I didn’t do anything to piss you off, right…?” to which he only got a sarcastic smirk in reply but she was proving to a very difficult challenge, just what he needed. 

Khushi took another swipe at him which he ducked and then tried to attack him below for which he jumped out the way, barely saving himself as their swords clashed with her continuous attacks while he tried to save himself but got cornered as well. She stepped forward to deliver a hard blow but he turned out the way and she was quick to turn, blocking his attack but was backed up against the wall herself now. He asked: “You conceit sweetheart…?” sort of smug knowing he was in winning position.  

She narrowed her eyes at him and curling her lips, said: "Not on your life darling." then pushed him back hard which had him loose his balance at the unexpected move and as he caught himself to stand straight, she had pierced her sword at his right shoulder making him drop his sword. He flinched putting a hand as the sword dug lightly on his shoulder making him bleed a little and she declared, “Ha I win! Never ever underestimate me or else…” warningly as she puts bit more pressure making the sword tip pierce in his shoulder a little more before pulling off her sword, stepped back casually now the sword tip facing down.

He pressed a hand little over his injury and looks down at it knowing well enough already that it wasn’t anything major and looks down at her, asking again: “I really didn’t do anything in recent to piss you off, right Happiness…?” trying to recall if he really did something to set her off but couldn’t remember anything, hell he never knew she had it in her to be so vicious. Her only response was to merely smirked at him wickedly and he shook his head at her, “Honestly can I ever understand you or what goes in that pretty little mind of yours… but do tell me what brought this on…?” giving her a curious look.

She replied easily: “Well you seemed angry when you left office and you said that you were coming to fencing club to battle out your frustrations, I guessed that you might need to blow quite a lot of steam. Then thought why not to play a little game with you, haven’t had much challenge in any fencing matches since coming to India. Anyways as I had expected you did turn out to be quite an interesting and challenging opponent.” shrugged shoulder with a cheerful smile.

He shook his head at her saying: “You are a crazy girl, simply mad… look you made me bleed.” pointing towards his little injury being bit dramatic. 

Khushi easily waved it off and threw her sword down, held his arm and dragged him with her: “You are fine, I know you aren’t that hurt and let’s not forget that you have quite high pain tolerance level. But let’s get you band-aid and let this be a lesson for you that Khushi Ahlawat doesn’t quit until she wins.” with quite a haughty sniff and for the first time he saw her very competitive side. 

They got to the club’s reception area where she quickly got the first-aid box from the receptionist and they were both seated on one of the sofas there as she got to tend his wound after pulling her hair in a loose-low messy bun. He stared at her few moments before asking: “Where did you learn fencing from…? You have to be the first in years from whom I lost.” observing her curiously.   

She replied easily: “From my dad and it’s not only fencing that I am trained, I know martial arts and how to shoot, you should know that I never miss my aims. Also, I have a mean competitive steak for winning, I can play as dirty and underhandedly as I can without getting caught to win.” looked up at him as she held the antiseptic soaked cotton on his injury. 

He drily said: “Yeah I just saw that and since you won, we’ll go to that new Karaoke Japanese restaurant for dinner now that you wanted to… my treat.” rolling his eyes at her a little as she pulled off the cotton and puts a band-aid on his wound smiling brightly at him. He just shook his head at her fondly like always, figures he would find his Happiness’s mean competitive steak and bold smirks charming as well like he did for everything else about her. 

Now the wound was tended, they both got up and with dinner plan of going to that new Karaoke Japanese restaurant that she wanted to which made her jump excitedly before they parted to go to separate locker rooms to change and get their things. Thirty minutes later Khushi dressed in simple light-grey oversized sweatshirt with ‘California west coast’ written, black jeans, white-grey boot shoes, hair in Dutch braid and her gym bag in hand came out the locker room. She found Arnav in royal-blue sweatshirt with full-sleeves, black jeans and black-and-white canvas shoes waiting for her at the reception area with his gym-bag in hand. They smiled at each other and exited the club with her chatting a dozen as they made their way to his car since she had taken a cab to come here knowing they would leave together anyways. Throwing their bags at the backseat, they got inside and after settling, he pulled out the car from the parking and drove off with a small smile on his lips as he listened to her, his mood infinitely better now. Especially with the present company he had, he could never be sad when his happiness is beside him was his thought as he drove to her favourite restaurant to give her a treat like she demanded from him.

KHUSHI AND ARNAV'S OUTFITS

---FLASHBACK ENDS---   

Arnav shakes his head lightly as he came back to the present, said: “And that was how I lost a fencing match for the first time in years, after that we went to the new Karaoke restaurant for dinner.”  finishes of the story.

Khushi cheerfully added: “Oh that was a fun dinner with all the Japanese food and singing, I love Karaoke!” with a broad smile excitedly exclaimed. 

Arnav smiled at her tenderly and kissed the top of her head affectionately, pulling her closer to himself while the rest of the family watched the pair with fond smiles except the Gupta sister who just fake smiled. Anjali realized that it Lavanya has had enough ASR’s display of affection to Khushi for the day and decided to it was time to take there leave, so said: “It is getting late, me and Lav should get going now.” glancing at her sister once who looked one step away from having a break-down.

Ishaani says: “You guys are leaving so soon…? We just got to start telling you about Arnie and Katya’s antics, we haven’t even gotten to telling you all the fun or embarrassing stories yet.” pouting as if she was really devastated.

Anjali replied: “Well we have loved to stay and hear those but we need to get going, we wanted to go to Yuvraj and Mayuri’s place to invite them for the wedding today. Anyways, you all are going to be there during pre-wedding functions and all, am sure we can continue this than with all the friends there.” suggested with a fake smile.

Ranveer nodded saying: “Sure why not, it will be fun I guess.” shrugging his shoulder as he casually threw an arm over his lovely wife’s shoulder to pull her close as he shares a pointed look to the Ahlawat’s and Arnav.

With that being said Anjali and Lavanya got up with mostly Anjali bidding the goodbyes on be-half of both while Lavanya just added her bits with bare-minimum as required since she was so distress, having hard time to keep herself together. If the Raizada, Ahlawat or Agnihotri’s noticed that then they surely showed no signs of it or made comments or asked questions and bid the sisters’ farewell cheerfully with smiles. Arnav along with Khushi went with the Gupta sister to the main door, seeing them off and the sisters got in their car, driving out of the Raizada Mansion hurriedly. As Anjali drove, getting on the main road and away from the Raizada Mansion was enough for Lavanya to break into silent sobs sitting in the passenger seat at that moment.

Lavanya felt overwhelmed with watching ASR being affectionate with Khushi, recalling what he said to her when she talked to him in private, seeing that tattoo on his chest and just listening to everyone there talking just how perfect Khushi is for him... it all had been too much for her. She felt like she was going through those five stages of grief as people said and depress was the stage she is in at the moment, with every futile attempt to pacify ASR it is breaking her heart… her spirt. Though she wasn’t ready to accept defeat just yet but still that didn’t stop it from hurting any less seeing him behave so indifferent and aloof towards her or seeing him being affectionate or intimate with someone else. Anjali glanced at her crying sister beside her in the passenger seat once or twice but otherwise didn’t say anything knowing that she needed to cry and let her emotions out first. So other than the occasional glances at her sister, she kept her eyes firmly on the road ahead and drove silently though she planned to talk to her sister later once they got home. 

.....

SEMOLINA RESTAURANT, DELHI – 08:30 P.M.

Dressed in plain white t-shirt paired with blue jeans, blue jacket and white sneakers Samar along with Tuli who is wearing a cute chrome-yellow short flowy dress that reached just above her knee with flower print design, V-neck and full-bell sleeves. She had minimal make-up, large golden ring-hoop earrings, coral lipstick, black high-heels and hair tied in high-messy bun as few strands of hair framed her face. They both sat down on the table for two near the huge glass window, little away from the crowd that they were directed to by the hostess and after they were alone with being told that their waiter would be soon with them. It is a posh Italian restaurant with classy décor in white and pastel-pinks which is calming and adding to the quiet ambience, there were enough customers but wasn’t a crowded place by any means which was nice. 

SAMAR AND TULI'S OUTFIT

Tuli comments: “This is really nice restaurant.” casually roaming her eyes around the posh Italian restaurant they were for dinner.

 

The waiter came and handed them two menu cards then left to give them few minutes to decide and Samar nodded saying: “Yeah the reviews were quite good, especially about the ambience being very peaceful and all that.” opening his menu card and went through it.

They both took few moments to go over the menu and decide on their order after which Tuli closed her, places it on the table as she casually says: “It’s been a while since I last came to Italian restaurant like this, I forgot how calm the ambience in these sorts of restaurants are.” with her one hand cupping her cheek that is resting on the table.

He closed his menu card too, placed it on the table: “And why is that…?” asked casually.

That was the went the waiter came to take their order, Samar ordered a Spaghetti Squash with Tomato Bruschetta and Shrimp while Tuli chose Meat Lover’s Italian Pizza Pasta Bake as well as some red wine to go with that for both of them. The waiter said that he’ll bring the drinks in few minutes while the food will take fifteen-minutes or so then giving them one customer-service smile left from there. She straightened up before replying without meeting his eyes: “This type of Italian restaurants was Karan’s favourite; we use to have at twice a month date in different Italian places to find the best one we liked. After he passed away, I just didn’t have the heart to dine in Italian restaurants like this because they reminded me too much of him.” tearing up a little and tried to gulp down the lump the suddenly seemed to be stuck there.   

For a moment he didn’t know what to say since he knew about the boyfriend Tuli had after him who died in a hit-and-run accident three years ago by an irresponsible, careless drunk driver. He has heard quite a lot nice things about the said boyfriend over the years and how good he was to her though never had the chance to really meet him but a part of him was jealous. He said: “Well… ah… well if you are uncomfortable coming to Italian restaurant than you should have told me earlier, we could have gone to some other place.” shifting in his seat awkwardly.

She was about to say something when the waiter came with a bottle of red-wine which he poured in two wine glasses, placed it in front of them and kept the bottle in the middle before leaving again. They both picked their glasses to take a sip and she placed it back on the table before answering: “I am fine Samar, I wanted to be here that is why I am and so, you don’t need be worry about that.” waving off his concern easily and continued, “Though there is another there is something else I need to talk to you about which I think we should have done before but we both shied away from this topic.” carefully said. 

He took another sip of his wine and asked: “Okay, about what…?” though he had a feeling that it is going to be something serious and related to past.

 

Tuli signed as she took a moment or two to gather her thoughts, said: “Samar we don’t talk about your marriage with Lavanya but then again I know everything anyways and so we hardly need to. Whereas we never talk about Karan, me because it still hurts to talk about him and you… well you never ask or try to know anything about him, don’t think that I haven’t notice how you make escape whenever he comes up in conversations. But I think it is high time we talked about it, you should know about his place in my heart… when we broke up, I was really heartbroken and I honestly thought that I would never be happy again but Karan came in my life. He mended my heart, showed me that I can be happy again and made fall in love again with him, I loved… love him so much. We were so happy together and I’ll be honest, I won’t lie but if Karan was alive today than I would never have rekindled our relationship with Samar. Karan and I, we had our futures planned out together, am sure you are aware that we were already in live-in relationship and living together for almost two years before his accident. This means you should know that I slept with Karan because for me he was it and for him I was too… I am not a virgin anymore Samar, so if you have a problem with that then please tell me now.” asking him straight forward.

Samar sort of knew this already but hearing it didn’t make it any less awkward or oddly jealous of the man who is dead for all intend and purposes now but putting those feelings aside, replied: “See Tuli I know that if Karan was around than I wouldn’t have had any chance with you, hell you even came back to Delhi after ten months of my divorce and a month after his accident. And I know you didn’t come back for me but rather because Mumbai was getting too much for you to live there, to cope with your loss. I won’t deny that a part of me was jealous of Karan… in fact still is and that is because he gave you what I couldn’t, he was there for you while I had let you go so easily.” exhaling heavily before he continued, “Also, I can’t really complain about you having physical relationship with him after us breaking up because that is none of my business. It isn’t as if that I didn’t have physical relationship with Lavanya during our short period of marriage, so having any complains or objections about you sleeping with your-than-boyfriend would make me very hypocritical when I was sleeping with Lavanya. I won’t say that I am happy that Karan died and neither did I want that for him but I’ll say this, fate gave me a second chance to make things right with you which I intend to. I know a part of you is still in love with Karan and belongs to him which I think and have accepted is will be forever; I have no problem with that. I promise Tuli, this time I would try my best to not disappoint you and I am not letting you go without a fight.” giving her a sweet smile as he placed his hand over hers that was on the table.

She returned his smile, saying: “Thank you for being understanding, Samar.” feeling better now that they finally talked about it.

The waiter came with their food and placed them in front of them before leaving after which they dug in as the conversation took turn to lighter topics as they talked about everything and nothing. Soon the meal was completed, bill paid by Samar and he was driving Tuli to her flat where he gave her a kiss standing on her doorstep before bidding her good night. He drove to his home with contemplative thoughts that he let himself indulge into now that he was alone with no prying eyes to see him. He was honest to Tuli about what he said in regards to Karan and bring up this past has also brought his memories of his marriage with Lavanya to forefront now which he hadn’t wanted to show in front of Tuli. He pulled his car through the Khurana Mansion gates and came to stop in the drive way where he parked, then sat there in the car silently for few moments before got down and made his way inside. 

Seems like this family had retired early to their rooms and so he too quietly made his way to his room as he wasn’t in mood talk to anyone at the moment anyways. He silently entered his room, closing and locking the door behind him as he went to freshen up along with change in his nightwear. He grabbed his towel and cloths from his wardrobe than made his way inside the bathroom as he carelessly removed his cloths then headed to have shower. After twenty minutes, showered and changed, he sat in his balcony in his favourite chair while letting his mind wander down the memory lane of the painful past which still hurts. 

---FLASHBACK---

SIX YEARS AGO

MUSICALLY SUSHI RESTURANT, DELHI – 09:00 P.M.

Dressed casually in light-blue jeans button-down shirt with a tan sweater over it and dark-blue jeans, Samar looked quite handsome especially with his hair lightly tousled and a prominent five o’clock shadow, held the car door open for his wife who climbed out of the passenger side delicately. Lavanya looked pretty herself in simple light-blue anarkali-palazzo suit that had little red embroidery design on the palazzo bottom-hem and the matching light-blue dupatta along with white-strap high-heel. She had long chandelier earrings, minimal make-up and her long hair left open as they trembled down her back in loose curls as she carried herself with elegance but despite that there were signs of lingering bad mood on her face. 

SAMAR AND LAVANYA'S OUTFIT

He had been carefully observing her and kept silent about it even though he wanted to know but seeing as she wasn’t going to talk about it herself, he decided to ask her directly: “Lavanya are you okay…?” carefully taking note of her facial expressions as they both walked through the parking lot towards the restaurant.  

She looked up at him coming to present from whatever thoughts she was lost in, replied: “Yeah I am fine Samar, don’t worry.” giving him a not-too-convincing smile as she kept walking beside him with her heels clicking.

Samar signed lightly already having somewhat an inking about what might be the reason behind her mood but still spoke more like to get a confirmation or something: “Don’t lie Lavanya, I can see the signs of bad mood on your face, so you might as well tell me now and get it off your chest or something. We are going to meet Anjali, Yuvraj, Bhai and Payal Bhabhi inside and it has been long since we met them plus, they are all in town for two more days before they all be gone again for god knows how long. I mean Anjali has her flight to Australia day tomorrow night, Yuvraj is returning New York by tomorrow night because Mayuri is there sick alone while Akash Bhai and Payal Bhabhi will be gone to Bangalore two days later for that housing project.” giving her a sardonic look.

Lavanya bit her lips lightly before giving a resigned sign, answered: “I had a conversation with ASR this morning which didn’t exactly end in a pleasantly. He said somethings, I said something and it basically turned into the usual argument with hurling hurtful things at each other.” being vague about it.  

He gave her a look that clearly said that he wasn’t fooled by her as he asked: “About what…?” though he already knew it would have been about something that would have been better if Lavanya hadn’t gone to discuss with ASR in first place.

She avoided looking in his eyes for a moment and lightly fidgeting with her dupatta end, replies: “I went to talk to him about that song he sang three days ago in that success party and told him that he couldn’t keep doing things like that. ASR said that the song wasn’t dedicated to me but rather some teenage crush of his that he never acted upon and stuff like that though I don’t believe him at all, I know it was me he was talking about which he obviously wouldn’t accept.” huffing a bit moodily continued, “I didn’t like his attitude when he said that not everything in his life revolves around me or refusing to accept that the song was dedicated to me, I might have said some harsh words to him which I shouldn’t have.” reluctant spoke the last bit. 

He closed his eyes momentarily and took a deep breath to control his temper before he icily said: “Honestly Lavanya, after everything I said to you and asked you to stay away from ASR, you are still carrying this stupid behaviour of yours…?! And how does it matter to you if ASR dedicated that song to some teenage crush or anyone else because he is right that his life doesn’t revolve around you anymore. You should actually leave him alone rather than constantly using any excuse to barge in his life and try to hold him back, seriously Lavanya this is getting out of hands now.” gritting his teeth and glared at his wife.

She frowned at him and replying irritated: “In ASR’s life only I am the most important girl and no one else… there can never be anyone else!” glaring back at her husband without backing down.

They had crossed the parking and now he held the restaurant door open for her to enter first and spoke to her in quite but frosty tone nonetheless: “Listen Lavanya, I don’t know what sort of twist idea is going through your mind but what or who is important in ASR’s life is none of your business now. For the last time I am telling you just leave the guy alone or else I might seriously have to start considering about our marriage because I won’t have my wife constantly being hang up on her ex.” warning her seriously knowing this is the only way to deal with her now. She looked at him wide-eyed almost getting teary but he didn’t melt nor he let her start her waterwork like usual as he continued, “I mean it Lavanya, make up your mind because if you want our marriage to work than you have to stop barging into ASR’s life constantly. Now please wipe this look from your face and put a smile, I am sure you don’t want your sister and our friends to know about all these antics of yours. Also, I am not keen on a public scene now considering you have me pissed off enough that is the last thing you would want to do now.” pointedly giving her a warning look.  

Lavanya stared at him for few moments as if searching his face for any signs of sympathy towards her and grudging how serious he was being with his warning but even she wasn’t dense enough to not sense the ticking temper of her husband, so quickly did as she was told. She composed herself than puts a smile on her face as she roamed her eyes around the place before finally spotting her sister and their friends sitting in a cozy booth near the end, waving towards them. She waved back before looking back at her husband once made way toward them while Samar took a deep calming breath since he didn’t like the way he behaved with her but it is becoming a necessity now. A sweet voice singing drifted and at the moment he could really related with those line as he glanced towards the Karaoke stage to see the person only to get shocked briefly.

  

“Jitna bhi mein samjhun par

Dil kyun nahi yeh maanta

Jispe loota di yeh zindigi

Wohi nahi pechanta”

Samar was surprised to say the least to see Ms. Khushi Ahlawat standing on the stage with a mic in hand as while her eyes on the screen in front of her that displayed the lyrics of the song that she was singing. He saw her take her eyes flick towards a table and followed the trail of her sight to find ASR seated on that table with a small fond smile on his lips which somehow didn’t come as surprising since nowadays it has become so common to see them together anywhere. He shook his head lightly deciding that since neither his wife or friends knew Ms. Ahlawat, so they won’t notice the girl and he won’t be mentioning the presence of ASR with her. So, with that thought he made his way towards the larger booth they all were seated and he was pretty sure that ASR wouldn’t be visible from there since no one else seemed to have noticed him yet.   

“Palko taley kuch kaanch ke

Toote huye tukde miley

Yahi gunha humse hui

Hum thamke tujhko chale”

Khushi clutched the mic light tighter that hardly anyone would have noticed as she continued to sing the lyrics that were in front of her on the screen as the music played and she couldn’t help herself as her eyes drifted towards her table where Arnav is sitting. She couldn’t help the emotions that leaked into every word that came out of her mouth nor did the overwhelming sadness that she mostly kept buried deep inside the recess of her mind. She felt like she would drown, that she is so alone but then somehow staring back in those silver-grey eyes that bore into her forest-green orbs were grounding her to the present.

“Tha humnava hi bewafa, kya bataye

Ae dil baata, dil ki kise ab sunaye

Aaaa haaa ahaaa… 

Aaaa haaan ahaa…”

Khushi hummed lightly trailing off, finishing the song effortlessly as the music comes to an end and there was momentary pin-drop silence before other patrons broke into loud applause as she gave one last elegant bow with a smile before getting off the stage. She made way to her table in her usual light graceful steps and flopped down on her seat causally, said: “So Arnav, was it good enough for you…?” wiggling her eyebrows at him with mischievous smile.     

Arnav chuckles at her expression before replying: “Well I learned great many things about Khushi Ahlawat today, most importantly never to underestimate or challenge her because she is after you like a bloodhound to prove you wrong. Also, you have a very good singing voice and a brilliant signer at that, so you win this bet. Honestly, I had no idea you have a competitive steak that ran miles wide crazy girl and is there anything you can’t do…?” with a fond smile.

Seeming quite pleased with herself, answered: “I aim to surprise and keep you on yours toes, so am sure you’ll find out even more interesting things about me with time. You don’t know half of the things about me but everything will reveal with itself in right time and I make sure that it is all worth your wait. For now, I am hungry with all the fighting and singing that I did, man the things I do for you… you should be really thankful to me for it all.” giggling at her words as she dragged a plate of sushi towards her then picking up her chopsticks. 

He eyed her with tender affection and said: “Trust me I know that and I am grateful for you coming into my life Happiness.” making her look up at him with surprise in her doe green eyes and he continued, “I was at my lowest and foulest when you entered in my life with that careless, mischievous, happy-go-lucky attitude of yours and honestly these days you are the only one who keep me going on to the next. I know undoubtedly that without you I would have been a bigger mess and probably doing something totally stupid self-destructive shit… I would have utterly destroyed myself for sure.” lightly placing his hand on hers that was on the table and held it in his.

Khushi gave him a sweet smile without the previous playfulness, replied: “I long as I am there, I won’t let anything hurt you… not even yourself, Arnav. Just remember you fall, I catch… I drag you out of pits of hell if I have to, so don’t be scared to take your leap of faith I have your back.” tightening her hand around his. 

They both sat there staring in each other’s eyes with tender affection while holding hands across the table and to an outsider that would have probably been the picture of perfect couple which they both were completely unaware of. Smiling at each other then picked up their chopsticks with their free right hand while still holding the other hand, resumed eating their sushi while the conversation drifted to lighter topics as they laughed and joked around completely obvious to a pair of eyes on them. That person watching them from afar is none other than Samar Khurana who discreetly kept glancing at them from his table little away, being careful that others in his table didn’t follow his line of sight.

Samar obviously couldn’t hear the conversation between ASR and Ms. Ahlawat but he could see them, see the way they look at each other and interacted though he was pretty sure neither of them were aware how couple-y they seemed. He could definitely see the potential of being something more than friends between them and he was sure that if his wife stops dragging ASR down with her constant reminder of the past than ASR could very well move on with this Ms. Ahlawat easily. At the moment he didn’t know what was really going on though he somehow felt that Ms. Ahlawat is more than she shows herself… she knows lot more than she is giving away. He is sure that if someone who can bring ASR back from the brick of the darkness that he is edging towards it will be her and he sincerely hoped that somehow Ms. Ahlawat is the saving grace that ASR needs. Suppressing a light sigh, he averted his eyes and concentrated on the conversation that was going on his table, providing input here and there though his eyes drift towards the other table from time to time. He didn’t miss the look in Lavanya’s eyes when she thought no one was watching and couldn’t help the frustration bubbling up inside him, he seriously needs to talk to her openly about her behaviour towards ASR soon, he thought resolutely.

---FLASHBACK ENDS---

Samar signed heavily as he came out of the memory of that evening and now that he about it in the hindsight that evening should have been evidence that his marriage with Lavanya was meant to be doomed no matter what. He had been blind to not see that his first-wife was obsessed with her ex despite everything and she couldn’t let either of them go, he should have seen that despite her words of wanting to make this marriage works she kept chasing the past. Lavanya was a confused soul, in fact she still is and she always wants something that she couldn’t have like right now she is after ASR again despite knowing that it is all futile attempts. She is stubborn like that and her confusion, willful ignorance has been the reason of their failed marriage though if you ask her than she’ll definitely lay the blame on him just like she does all time, he thought snorting derisively. He sat there for few more minutes before he getting up and heads inside his bedroom, to sleep of and hopefully tomorrow morning these suffocating depressive thoughts would be buried in the back of his mind.

......

PRECAP: Some serious discussion in the present and maybe in past too, any guesses on what…? Flashback to ASR’s last-ditch effort to win back Lavanya… any guess what it would be or who gave him the idea or even how that one going to end…?

*-*-*-*-*

[NOTE: Hello lovelies, how are you all doing...? Finally new update is up and I had too much fun writing it, especially Khushi's part in this chapter. So, those who haven't guessed the fencing match between Arnav and Khushi in flashback portion is highly inspired from 'Beyhadh 2' episode one where Maya has a fencing match with Rudra as there first scene together. I wanted to show in that flashback that Khushi is capable of hurting Arnav if she wants to... like she isn't some dumb lovesick chick who just blindly let's herself manhandled due to some misguided logic. She lets that because she wants to, giving him an outlet to open up with her starting from anger and frustration then moving on to comforting him, worming a place in his heart for herself so slowly that even he doesn't realize it happening.

Also, I felt like bringing up and concluding Tuli's relationship with Karan, I never did that after the initial mentioning of this and also showing that she might now haven rekindled with Samar. She did that now is only because she wants to see what those unresolved feelings for him could led to... to not have regrets in future for not giving Samar a second chance. Now if Samar fucks up again than Tuli will leave him for good, so hopefully he won't be stupid again. I guess there isn't much for me to say... what do you think of this chapter...? Was it good or bad or little too much superficial or something...? How many of you loved Khushi holding Lavanya at sword tip...? I loved that a little too much LOL. 

Anyways what do you expect from upcoming chapters, any ideas...? Don't forget to leave comments and please be more than a word or two, I swear seeing those annoy the hell out of me... like why bother giving a word comment of 'good chap' or 'awesome', probably they haven't even bothered to read the chap. Just letting their presence knowing that we saw update, waiting for you to end it so that we can read it in one go after its over... at that is how I feel. However, take care and I'll soon be back with another update.... I let you know when I update next maybe, let's see. 

With love,

Kavya]